Southern California -- this just in

Man stole same Bentley twice, authorities say

December 8, 2012 | 3:06
pm

Robert Ponti must have really wanted a 2005 Bentley Coupe – he was arrested twice in four days with the same stolen car.

The odd saga began Tuesday afternoon, when Riverside County sheriff's deputies spotted the luxury car parked in a modest neighborhood in Jurupa Valley. When they checked the registration, authorities said, they discovered the Bentley had been reported stolen from a Brea home while the owners were out of town.

Deputies arrested Ponti, 46, and Johnny Villarreal, 37, both of Jurupa Valley, on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle. Ponti was released on bail Wednesday, online jail records show.

Two days later, authorities said, Ponti had gotten the coupe back – apparently by tricking someone at the tow yard where it had been taken. Afterward, he drove back to the house where deputies first spotted the car, authorities said.